Fresno County, California Biographies
Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)
History By Paul E. Vandor
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper
This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
GUSTAV E. AHLBERG. � A pioneer rancher of the Fowler district who
has developed forty acres from a stubble-field to a very productive vineyard,
and assisted by his two able sons has made substantial improvements, is
Gustav E. Ahlberg, a highly respected citizen, once broad-shouldered, strong
and healthy, but now partially paralyzed. He was born at Halmstad, Sweden,
on January 6, 1858, and when twenty-three years old first came to Fresno
County. His father was Bernhart Nicholas Ahlberg, who was the chief
executive officer, or sheriff, of the province of Halland in Sweden, where he
owned forty acres. His mother died when he was only two years old, and he
was brought up by his stepmother.
He grew up on the home farm, became a member of the state church,
attended public school, and at the same time took care of his father's farm.
He served one year of two terms in the king's military service, and then
bidding good-bye to his father and brother and sisters, came to America,
arriving in Fresno County in 1881. He was influenced to take this momentous
step by the letters of his sister and brother-in-law, P. O. Lindstrom, who
came to Fresno County from Sweden over forty years ago. Mr. Lindstrom,
who died on July 16, 1882, was the pioneer blacksmith of Easton, and a man
of experience. Mr. Ahlberg liked Fresno County from the start, and was
not long in accepting an engagement to work on farms. His ability was soon
appreciated, and he was made manager of Judge Stephen S. Nye's vineyard,
one of the extensive and important holdings of this region.
In 1889, Mr. Ahlberg was married to Miss Matilda Thelander, and soon
after he bought his forty-acre vineyard from Mr. Marden of the Nye-Marden
Colony. He became active in American civic life, affiliating himself with the
Republican party. In 1904 his good wife died ; and since then he has remained
a widower. Three children were granted this happy couple. Carl G. has
charge of the ranch ; William died in April, 1914, when he was about twenty-
one years old ; while Edward is at home and helps his brother Carl.